The Role of Cartoons and Caricatures in Kurdish Art (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Abstract

One of the important factors in social development is the art of caricature, as a modern tool of expressing criticism in a "pictorial" way, has been able to play a prominent role. Following the development of enlightenment and the establishment of the modern authoritarian system in the world, the spread of democratic ideas, the decline of monarchy and absolutism, and the rapid advancement of technology, particularly the printing industry, have provided an opportunity for more direct criticism. However, this is not always the case; in some regions, in the name of republicanism and democracy, societies are still governed by the same old monarchical or capitalist and neoliberal systems. This has made the task of critical journalists and artists even more challenging, but not impossible. Additionally, another part of this art, due to the anxiety and loneliness of individuals in this era, has taken on the task of entertainment. The researcher, appreciating the richness of this genre, seeks to highlight the foundations of caricature art in Iraqi Kurdistan and aims to introduce it to the reader. This research consists of four parts: the first part outlines the general framework of the research, including: the preface, research problem, importance of the research, objectives, research boundaries, and definitions of terms. The second part is divided into two sections: the first discusses the history of caricature and cartoon art in the world, Iraq, and Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as the publications of caricatures and caricature artists in Kurdistan, and second section contains the theoretical framework references. The third part of the research focuses on research methodologies: research community, research sample, and research method, including four samples from four artists, and the fourth and final section is dedicated to its conclusions, suggestions and recommendations.